US 8,558,103 B2 · Switchable solar cell devices

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a solar cell device, and method for forming the solar cell device by integrating a switch component into a solar cell element. The solar cell element can include a solar cell, a solar cell array and/or a solar cell panel. The integrated solar cell element can be used for a solar sensor, while the solar sensor can also use discrete switches for each solar cell area of the sensor. Exemplary embodiments also provide a connection system for the solar cell elements and a method for super-connecting the solar cell elements to provide a desired connection path or a desired power output through switch settings. The disclosed connection systems and methods can allow for by-passing underperforming solar cell elements from a plurality of solar cell elements. In embodiments, the solar cell element can be extended to include a battery or a capacitor.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A device comprising:

a solar cell element, wherein the solar cell element comprises two solar cell terminals;
and
a switch component integrated with an N-type solar cell terminal to control the solar cell element, wherein the switch component comprises a source region or a drain region of one or more MOS-based switches, the source region or the drain region is arranged within a second N region of a solar cell within the solar cell element, the source region is disposed in a p-type region, the p-type region is in direct physical contact with the second N region of the solar cell, and the N-type solar cell terminal is in direct physical contact with the second N region of the solar cell and an external contact of the solar cell.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Switchable solar cell devices

Life of this patent

Switchable solar cell devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13